Personal Intelligence hits the road: Google brings Gemini's tailored assistance to Android Auto

What you need to know

• Google announced that it's bringing Gemini's Personal Intelligence to vehicles.
• The feature mirrors the experience in AI Mode or on your phone, as the AI can connect to your Workspace apps, Gmail, Photos, Search, and more for tailored help that matters to you.
• Gemini can pick up old conversations with you through Personal Intelligence, and it can look for restaurants to eat and bring directions straight to your car's display.
• None of this works without your permission, and Google says drivers remain in control of what they share.

Sorry, Microsoft: Apparently Gemini is your new copilot.

This afternoon (Oct. 20), Google announced that Gemini's Personal Intelligence is rolling out for Android Auto. The post states Personal Intelligence does nothing without your express permission. But once given, the feature will mirror the experience you'd receive on your Android phone.

Google states that connecting Personal Intelligence opens access to Gmail, Photos, Maps, Search, Workspace apps, and more. Gemini will tailor its responses to your voice queries using your data as its knowledge base. Since Personal Intelligence is connected to your Gmail (if given permission), users can ask whether their flight is on time and what their gate number is. Google says drivers won't have to do much else.

The AI will dive into your emails and find that information for you. What's more, since Personal Intelligence is arriving in vehicles, Google says Gemini can "suggest curated dinner stops" along the driver's route when asked. If you're a vegetarian, Google says Gemini can tailor its responses for your needs.

Driving got a little easier

Gemini's Personal Intelligence can surface important details about your flight while the driver remains focused on the road. (Image credit: Google)

Another key feature is users can "pick up where they left off" with Gemini. If you asked Gemini about a coffee shop, the next time you get into your car, you can bring it up. Google states Gemini will resurface those details for you and create a route in Maps to get you there.

Google says your privacy remains at the center of this feature, and you don't have to share anything if you don't want to. Personal Intelligence will arrive for cars with Google built-in "in the next few months." For users with this feature already set up on their phone, you won't have to do much once it hits your car.

If you haven't set it up, Google says you can do so from Gemini's settings.

Google has been bringing Gemini's Personal Intelligence to more places since its arrival in January. Most recently, the company added the feature to AI Mode. It works the same as you'd expect on your phone through the Gemini app and, as announced today, for Android Auto. Users can ask Gemini about specific questions that pertain to them or their situation. If you're looking for meal ideas but you have an allergy, for example, Gemini would tailor its responses.

What's more, you can ask Gemini to find information about your car's tires. The AI would look into your photos to find them and search for relevant information.